42

Tomorrow: Episode 2

Our half-human hero goes on his trial run with his new reaper team, and together they try to save a young woman’s life. The experience is not only more than he bargained for, but it opens up an interesting contrast between the current methods of the reaper team, and the impact of a kind and intuitive human on the scene.

Editor’s note: This drama starts off each episode with a warning that it contains content about suicide, and though the message of the show is that suicide is never the answer, this topic is definitely not for everyone, so we’ll be putting this note at the start of our weecaps, too. And, if you ever need anyone to talk to, please know there’s a whole community here to support you.

 
EPISODE 2 WEECAP

Before we get into the plot, I need to echo what I said after Episode 1, which was just being impressed with the level of world-building going on. That continues in this episode as we learn more about Ryeon, with hints of her past, and get a stronger sense of how the Crisis Management Team functions both in the world, and the underworld.

The level of detail this drama is bringing to the table is great — and the only thing I love more than that is the cast. Though we focus mostly on our team trying to safe the life of a young writer in this episode, we also get another look at Jumadeung. And yay, that includes PARK JOONG-GIL (Lee Soo-hyuk looking every bit the part), who leads the more traditional Escort Team and has some beef with our lovely pink-haired heroine.

In Episode 1 we saw them have a very fundamental disagreement about the suicide question — and this week we see them butting heads yet again, concluding with Joong-gil warning her they shouldn’t cross paths unless he’s escorting a suicide case (meaning her failed in her mission). There’s certainly some history there, as well as friction in their individual missions.

And speaking of history, we see what seems to be a Joseon-era Ryeon wandering in Hell, until the Jade Emperor pulls her out and has her work in Jumadeung as a reaper. What is Ryeon’s history as a human? How did she die? What’s with the hint of her being destined to save a certain person from death? These questions broaden the story quite nicely and keep it from feeling too episodic.

I did not expect to feel quite so many feelings while watching the backstory of the writer NOH EUN-BI (Jo In), but it was a journey much like Jun-woong experienced: all of a sudden he was seeing first-hand how this woman suffered psychological trauma from a school bully. And you can’t help but feel for this girl not only in her school days, but later in her adult life when she comes face-to-face with the bully who tormented her.

When our reapers set off to save her, her negative energy is already at 80%, and the team enters her life at a crucial time: she’s just come in contact again with the school bully who’s now a rising webtoon author and world-class hypocrite. She doesn’t even remember the torture she inflicted on Eun-bi until her friends remind her, and she picks up right where she left off. This spirals Eun-bi out of control, and her suicidal thoughts are reaching a terrible breaking point.

Watching all of this unfold is heart-wrenching, but the fantastical angle it takes is really great. Ryeon, Ryong-koo, and Jun-woong are on the scene, play-acting as the PD team that’s working with both women, and this is where we get that contrast I mentioned. While Ryeon and Ryong-koo are old hands at this, and somewhat callous to the suffering in front of them, Jun-woong can barely hold himself back. Actually he can’t. He not only interferes in one of her memories (while they’re traveling back to learn about her past), but he also interferes in the present when the bully acts out.

Ryeon is none too pleased by this half-human that’s getting in her way. She has an MO that she’s used “successfully” in the past, and we’ve seen it work before. Rather than bring any sort of comfort or aid, she pushes the suicidal humans past what seems like their breaking point, and much to Jun-woong’s horror, Ryeon now does the same thing to Eun-bi.

This whole storyline plays out in a surprisingly powerful way, and one that’s done way better justice by watching than me merely describing it. It first shows us Ryeon’s method — harsh and direct but effective in its own way because it forces Eun-bi to recognize her desire to live – and then we see Jun-woong the giant teddy bear adding on to the work that Ryeon has done.

Ryeon might have gotten Eun-bi out of the danger zone, but she and Ryong-koo notice that she’s still dominated by negative energy. It’s not until Jun-woong turns up with the comedian (cameo by real-life comedian Jeong Jun-ha) that Eun-bi loves that something finally breaks in her for good. Eun-bi’s laughter at the comedian soon turns to tears, which is powerful enough, but it’s when Jun-woong pulls her in for a hug that things really change. In that moment where she’s completely broken, he gives her what she needed the most: comfort, acknowledgment of her suffering, and the feeling that she was not alone.

How does a drama brimming with mythology and CGI make me cry tears this big? I’m not sure, but it’s why I love K-dramas; they can deliver any sort of story in any sort of genre and still give you a scene like this.

After that success, and Eun-bi’s energy readings positive and in the green-zone, you’d think that Ryeon and Ryong-koo would be thrilled with the addition to their team. But not so much. Back at Jumadeung, Ryeon is more annoyed by the mistakes he’s made than anything else — he’s also broken the Key of Memory, which means the team won’t be able to travel into anyone’s memories for much-needed context anymore.

Jun-woong joins the Editing Team instead, but it’s clear he’s not cut out for it. He’s a human, after all — at least mostly — and he can’t stomach the coldness with which human suffering is talked about, and he chews out his new team to such an extent that his fate in Jumadeung is soon hanging in the balance.

Lucky for us, and the rest of the drama, Ryeon finally agrees to take Jun-woong back to the CM Team, and I’m sure we’ll explore more of their teamwork (or lack thereof) as we go.

But before we close, a word on how the drama treats justice. It was surprisingly absent during Eun-bi’s story, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who wanted to see the horrible bully punished for her evil deeds. However, with all the focus on turning Eun-bi from victim to survivor, there didn’t seem to be any room for retribution in the story.

But yay, after Eun-bi is in the clear and everything is resolved, Ryeon has some unfinished business — and boy does she ever. She sees to it that the bully experiences the torture she inflicted on Eun-bi as is she herself were Eun-bi, and by the time Ryeon has tied up these “loose ends,” the bully has been exposed across the media, as have her henchwomen, and Eun-bi not only has closure, but the peace of knowing this person get exactly what she deserved.

I didn’t expect the drama to go there since it didn’t seem much interested in the perpetrator, so this made a great story arc into an even better one. Between the wrap-up of this plot line, and the motif that laughter can act as medicine (and the fact that Jun-woong intuitively knows this), I don’t think I could like this drama more than I already do.

 
RELATED POSTS

Tags: , , , , ,

42

Required fields are marked *

How does a drama brimming with mythology and CGI make me cry tears this big? I’m not sure, but it’s why I love K-dramas; they can deliver any sort of story in any sort of genre and still give you a scene like this.

I couldn't have said it better than you! This episode was so hard to watch but it made me love the drama all the more because even the bystanders like the perpetrator's two friends and Eun Bi's boss who underplayed her trauma, all got what they deserved. Jun Woong bringing her favorite comedian to remind her of happy things in life was a nice touch to the whole scene.

Now, I want to see more of Lee Soo Hyuk's character.

16
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

This episode was a hard watch for me with the bullying scenes but I'm happy with the way the writer's case was resolved.

I was annoyed by Ryeon for a good part of the episode as I'm not a fan of her tactics however efficient they may seem.

More of Lee Soo-Hyuk please 🥺

9
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

I would be so annoyed if we barely see LSH even though he is promoted as a lead....

2
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Same

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I was INCREDIBLY angry at Ryeon for most of the episode - her intervention techniques seem as Joseon as her backstory - and while that was somewhat alleviated by Jun Woong’s aftercare…. YIKES. No wonder her team’s failing.

The pen-clicking was an effective device, but also? You need treatment to get over that. When a trigger gets hard-wired into your brain like that, you literally need to get rewired. It’s not a “power through it” thing. I’m disturbed that a storyline about a deeply psychologically damaged woman didn’t mention therapy once. Vengeance doesn’t work that way.

I really REALLY like the show, but am a little nervous about how the RM team’s methodology is going to be highlighted.

4
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

The lack of aftercare and the idea that you can just 'power through it' are definite shortcomings, not just of this episode but of the series as a whole. That deeply upsets me, because all of the issues the series deals with deserve to be presented accurately, and that includes showing people fully healing doesn't come quickly or easily. Needing help is nothing to be ashamed of.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Just finished watching both episodes back-to-back and I'm really liking this. We get to see the team as-is as well as the team as-could-be and I have to say I definitely prefer the human(e) approach. It was hard to watch the bullying but Ryeon's method also seemed pretty harsh. I'm glad Jun-woong was there to provide the needed buffer and then we got the bully smackdown we needed 🙌.

Also liking the drama's aesthetics (Kim Hee-sun!) and some pretty decent Dr. Strange-style CGI with the memories.

12
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

It was an intense episode.

Ryeon said that people who comited suicide were wandering with regrets, I wonder if it was she was doing in the past when the Jade Emperor talked to her. If it's why she's kinda harsh with the people she needs to save.

About the method, I don't think they were totally wrong. People who are bullied need to change too, to learn to fight for themselves. But they could be less harsh and more empathic, it's why Jun-Woong is important. He's human and young, he can feel everything when the Grimp Reapers are kinda numb by the fact they're not human anymore and old.

The epilogue was really funny.

The visual of this drama is really beautiful between the actors and their style and the direction.

11
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I also have the feeling Ryeon committed suicide herself in the past, and that's how she knows how hard that hell people taking their own lives are going to.

7
reply

Required fields are marked *

I like that they are adding the epilogs. I loved how in the first ep she wanted to do something nice for him, with the designer shirt but got duped. I feel she is not just a reper, she seems to have special powers and a thirst for punishment too.

8
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think she just wanted to buy herself that sweater and after getting duped, thought it was a good joke to give it to the new guy ;)
And I also wonder if the special powers come with being the boss of a team, if that's the case, handsome real reaper ^^ should have them too. Otherwise, could it have something to do with her coming from hell?

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I loved second episode as well, but I have to say it: I would also have loved much more some kind of reference to EunBi seeking professional help. I mean, I liked the way Ryeon confronted her, but let's be honest, years of damage can't be solved and cured with just your will.

I am not sure also if I want that kind of revenge on HyeWon. I have mixed feelings. She should pay, of course, but conisdering Ryeon plays the distant kind, it felt too personal. But then again, we are just getting to know her. Anyway, it always amazes me how bullies tend to forget what they did in the past, and consider their acts as something minor or childish. I always tell the story of how on a High School meeting two school mates were shocked when some of us told them how they had bullied another class mate. They said they never did such a thing, and when we reminded them of all the things they had done, they apologised to her. But believe me, they didn't remember.

And I will join those wanting more LSH. Never enough.

15
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Was happy that the show highlighted the shocking suicide rate in SK and denounced it as a terrible thing to be first in the world for. Perhaps this writing team will be strong enough to work mental health therapy into the mix.
With such great acting, CG and excellent production decisions, Tomorrow has all the ingredients for a solid show (with more LSH, of course).

7
reply

Required fields are marked *

First things first, we need more screen time for LSH!

I was feeling very uncomfortable with how the conversation was being handled with the person who is already in the brink of life/death. So I was glad that Jun-woong expressed this and showed a different approach. So I am excited to see how they work as a team going forward.

is it just me, or was there insane chemistry between Joong-Gil and Ryeon. Just the eye lock in the meeting made me feel things.. lol.

11
6
reply

Required fields are marked *

100% Ryeon and Joong-Gil had excellent chemistry.

7
reply

Required fields are marked *

Blue, we DO need more LSH. We MUST have more LSH.

And yes to the chemistry.

And also to LSH making you (and me and the Universe) feel things.

7
reply

Required fields are marked *

I saw the chemistry too... And I see they have some kind of a past...

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Joong Gil has this longing in his eyes when he reacts to Ryeon....he was saying one thing to her directly but his eyes were saying something else. I don't know if it is intended by script or how Lee Soo Hyuk is playing him but I hope they explore this dynamic more....a whole lot of chemistry is there and it'd be a shame if it goes to waste.

3
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I noticed it as well, it seems like a hint at things to come. Or the inevitable past life connection trope that comes with fantasy dramas of this sort 😆

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I noticed it too. Perhaps Ryeon used to be on his escort team. Hopefully, they show her backstory with her past connection with Joong Gil and also how she ended up in hell in the first place.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Kim Hee Sun is the single best part of this drama, the way she plays Ryeon as a stylish badness is just chef's kiss. That being said the singular amount of damage done against Eun Bi(great actress) requires extensive therapy and love. That being said I am glad she got a hug, I am happy kdramas are starting to embrace(😉) more hugs. The small glimpses of LSH are not enough.

8
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

The bullying scenes were awful. I really felt for Eun Bi. The scene when Jun Woong got Jeong Jun Ha to meet her made me cry y'all. I loved that he remembered something from her memories that made her happy and tried his own method to help. His hug looked so comforting.

Ryeon has that tough love style. I'm sure the drama is gradually going to show her growth and improvement in her ways. She had warned Jun Woong not to interfere and their goal was only to stop the suicide instead of punishing the bully. However, she did confront the bully. The sudden breaking news about the bully's past seemed to have come from Ryeon which will affect her career and book promo.

I like that Ryeon has a mysterious past. Feels like it will add depth to her character. (Made me think of Bulgasal for a sec, haha. I hope the present scenes will be just as strong as the past ones. XD)

The chemistry between Joong Gil & Ryeon was electric. Excited to see more of their scenes.

Can't believe this show had me crying already, but after the epilogue, I was laughing. What a silly and fun way to end the episode.

Loving the fashion btw! Not just from Ryeon, but also Ryong Koo. I like him. Need to see more.

10
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

This was a very difficult episode to watch. The bullying scenes were intense and I felt the urge to jump in the screen and give the bullies what they desreved. I know people who have been bullied. One of my good friends had to go to night school to escape the students who were bullying her. I am glad that this show is tackling these real issues.

7
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I watched the first two episodes of this last night on the basis of @missvictrix's premier recap--she has only once let me down in terms of recommendations and that involved a bulgasal, so I don't think it counts. Anyway, what a surprise--I'm not a huge fan of these kind of after-life fantasies, and suicide is just an unpleasant topic even if it did not have the unfortunate personal resonance it does for me (and sadly for many of us, I'm sure). But so far it turns out that fantasy, with a little bit of humor may be a good way to deal with this issue, in an entertaining but not callous way! I'm a little cautious, still, but for now I'm looking forward to the next episode.
One thing that's funny to me reading the responses above, because I have only seen more prominent recent kdramas, I was unfamiliar with Kim Hee-Sun and just how beautiful she is, and even as everyone is saying we need to see more of Lee Soo-Hyuk, I find myself instead thinking that although I'm really not sure about the prevention techniques Ryeon is using, I believe we need to further highlight her...ah...methods!

5
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Sorry about Bulgasal :p

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I liked it. Even though it was unbearably sad, and I promised myself no more shows that promised 45-minute crying sessions at the end.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I was okay watching episode two until Rowoon hugged Eun bi. His acknowledgement of her pain and struggle really resonated with me. I just started crying. I probably just need a hug from Rowoon.
As for Kim hee seon, I don't know what to steal first, her hairstyle ,her clothes or her attitude. Regardless, she's killing it in this role and I am really curious about what happened between Lee Soo hyuk.
As for Lee Soo hyuk, that voice, those eyes, his ears, he definitely needs more screen time and especially A LEAD ROLE. How long do we need to wait? And he's just so good at being bad. 🤤❤️❤️

10
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

We all need hug from Rowoon >.<

I cried so hard too when Junwoong hug Eunbi and said his lines. He really conveyed his message to us who feel the same way like Eunbi through the screen and he appreciated the human existence. Not everybody can get this even from their close cycle.

8
reply

Required fields are marked *

*also need a hug from Rowoon*

7
reply

Required fields are marked *

Love the epilogue in every episode. After Ryeon and Junwoong, I expect to see the other character get their epilogue too.

Side note: the alarm (the song) that Ryong Koo used as a sign he needs to leave work on time is really funny, plus Ryeon expression when she hears the alarm :)))

3
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Until your episode one first impressions appeared @missvictrix TOMORROW was nowhere on my radar. I just finished episodes one and two and loved both. The last two dramas I plunged into not knowing practically anything about was last year’s NAVILLERA and THIRTY BUT SEVENTEEN in 2018 and both were keepers.
This is my first Kim Hee-sun drama and it looks like the part of Ryeon was written for her. All the leads are nailing their parts.

3
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

A follow up thought. When dealing with a heavy subject like suicide which TOMORROW does I think the writer has to work in some humor to release the tension (if you will), to ease things up. The suffering will never be the butt of humor (just think of bullying) but so far I think the writer has given us a good balance. Yes maybe a little bit of ‘gallows’ humor but also some great slapstick. The epilogues particularly the epilogue to episode two have been quite humorous and I am glad the producers included that final pic with Rowoon with the big grin as he pushed comedian Jeong Jun-ha along the corridor.

2
reply

Required fields are marked *

For me Eunbi and Junwoong were the highlight of this episode. The actress playing Eunbi is amazing. That hug and junwoong's words was everything she neede to start her journey towards healing. Also i wanna appreciate Rowoon's acting here. The way he shifts from an adorable fluff ball to a more mature, serious human is imo exemplary. His command over physical comedy and his subtleness in more dramatic scenes impressed me. Also it is my first time watching Kim Heesun and my god this
woman is brilliant in her art. Loving her performance as well.

11
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ro-woon is one of my favorite idol-turned-actors. I think he's really showed an amazing range.

3
reply

Required fields are marked *

While I agree with Ryeon’s basic intention—to help the people she’s rescuing come to the realisation that they do want to live and thrive—her implementation could definitely use more compassion. So I love the way @missvictrix clearly framed the differences in Ryeon and Jun-woong’s approaches, and how the drama has set up room for development for them both.

On one hand, Jun-woong may have an intuitive feel for the human needs of their rescue subjects. But he’s also impulsive, and needs to become more familiar with the protocol and workings of Jumadeung—interfering in memories, for example, has proven to be risky to them. The show has yet to expand on other possible butterfly effects, but if he fails to contain his emotions, his actions could also endanger the very people they are trying to save.

On the other hand, Ryeon is clear on what lines not to cross, and she has an established method. But it’s harrowing for those she tries to save, often risks backfiring, and doesn’t produce sufficiently positive and lasting results. So she needs to learn to tilt the balance towards letting her rescue subjects feel seen and heard for their suffering before she urges them to seek the will to live within themselves.

3
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Episode 2 presents a heavy issue: school bully which is a normal presence and problem in Asian schools. Some may find this episode is distressing and i'm with you. I couldnt even look at some of the bullying scenes. And again, i strongly wont recommend this drama to anyone who are suffering from bullying, depression and having suicide thoughts.

However i think Ryeon's team handled the situation necessarily and the show also gives us the satisfaction of watching justice being served.

School bully is horrifying (coz I went through it too) and i think ive been watching a lot of Korean (recent) dramas documenting very well about school bullies. I really hope by highlighting this critical issue through dramas, it will give awareness to the government officials, policy makers and the public and something can be done by these people.

Last but not least, dont you love the epiloge? To me, the epilogue is worth waiting after watching the distressing storyline, the badass Ryeon and the adorable Jun woong. The epilogue is hillarious and at the same time gives us the insight of the main characters of this drama.

Im starting to warm up to Jun-woong, after his new teammates try to talk down on people suffering in life and he screams at them and explaining something similar like Ryeon does whenever Joong-gil confronting her.

4
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I started watching this because I became a Ro-woon fan after King's Affection. I wasn't completely sold after the first episode, but the second has me completely hooked and I was surprised to find how much I like it so far. I have been really captivated by Kim Hee-Sun and how's she's playing Gu Ryeon. I am also dying to know what the background is for Lee Soo-hyuk's character.

The CGI has been a significant improvement over the past Kdramas I have watched, and it's obviously there to enhance the story, not just as a visual trick, so I like that.

Bullying is a recurring theme in Kdramas, but that portrayal was particularly visceral. I thought the whole thing was beautifully handled. I can't wait to see where this goes.

4
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thank you @missvictrix ... I was ready to be disappointed by "Tomorrow", but was hooked almost from the start (maybe partly because of "Jun-woong the giant teddy bear"). Despite the dark, dark subject matter, I'm really enjoying the whole ensemble of great characters and looking forward to some sizzling chemistry ahead :)

1
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

At certain points in this second episode I had my finger hovering over the exit-button, but I'm glad I stuck to it.
The subject it very heavy and I agree with what some of the others already mentioned, that trauma such as that poor girl suffered, has to be helped with more than just one big hug. But, it's one episode and you can't always address everything you want, so I just hope she gets it later on and not just focuses on revenge.
That was a nice (althought perhaps a bit disturbing) finish and fed my need for some form of righteousness :P It certainly had me yelling HA.

For me, being the romantic sap I am, I don't know yet who to root for, our dorky half human (adorable) or tall dark and handome (swoon)
And I'm very curious about all the side lines in the drama. Bring on next week with the next two!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

This episode reminds me of all the accusations on kpop idols lately about them being bullies in school. This is what I'm talking about whenever some fans would comment that it was all in the past and why are the victims bringing this up now. Like what happens in the past still happened okay? You just can't dismiss what the victims faced only because it was all in the past. I hate it when they defend their idols saying they changed. So what? They still what they did and they still have to pay for it. And whatever the idols experience won't be enough for the trauma they have caused to the victims

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

People keep pestering about the method being harsh and also saying "Mythology this" "fantasy that" and forgeting that they are not common life line help workers, but spirits with power and authority. It means 1000% of difference.

-Specific equipment to probe the emotional status
-Full Access to memories of the subject
-Full Access of files on the past lives of the subject
-Skills that can freeze time and save people
-Etc...

So... Think again! They are not on the same level as common Government or NGOs employees or the childish versions of what pop fans would think spirits would be. I feel like some people do not deserve this show...

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I was SO THRILLED that Eunbi's bully received the justice she deserved.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *